Citra, Fla. — The Villages High School baseball team kept its playoff push alive Wednesday night in Citra.

The Buffalo avenged a loss to North Marion in last week's district championship with a thrilling 6-2 victory in the Class 4A-Region 2 quarterfinals, picking off the Colts in eight innings behind an explosive extra frame.

VHS (17-11) struck for two runs in the first on a pair of run-scoring hits that didn't leave the infield, with starting pitcher Lincoln Gagne keeping North Marion (15-13) at bay for much of the night. The right-hander struck out seven and scattered six hits over seven innings of work, allowing just one earned run in a postseason battle that eventually went to extra innings tied at 2-2.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Buffalo loaded the bases for backstop Hunter Anderson, who promptly smashed a three-run double to left to put VHS in front at 5-2. An RBI single by Brant Hayward added an extra run for insurance later in the inning, with Nate Budill shutting the door with a scoreless frame to send VHS onto the regional semifinals.

The Villages will now hit the road for a 7 p.m. tilt on Saturday night against No. 1 Merritt Island in Brevard County. VHS defeated Merritt Island, 4-3, in eight innings in the regional quarterfinals last season.


Montverde 7, VHS Softball 0

Montverde, Fla. — The Villages High School softball season come to an Wednesday night in Montverde.

The Buffalo fell 7-0 to Montverde in the Class 3A-Region 2 quarterfinals, closing the book on the 2024 season for VHS with a 13-13 overall record.

Montverde (24-4) starter Nevaeh Williams kept the Buffalo hitters off balance all night long, surrendering just two hits and striking out 13 in the shutout win. 



Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment at cody.hills@tvcs.org or by calling (352) 259-6890.